Artwork

Portrait of a Painter (presumably C. L. Agricola, 1667-1719)

Portrait of a Painter (presumably C. L. Agricola, 1667-1719), by Antoine Pesne, oil, 1714
Portrait of a Painter (presumably C. L. Agricola, 1667-1719), by Antoine Pesne, oil, 1714

Portrait of a Painter (presumably C. L. Agricola, 1667-1719) is an oil painting by Antoine Pesne. It dates from 1714 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created by Antoine Pesne in 1714, is a portrait of a man identified as Christoph Ludwig Agricola, a painter active in the early 18th century.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted in a contemplative mood, wearing a brown velvet jacket, white ruffled shirt, and black hat. His right hand rests on a table, with his index finger pointing downwards, suggesting a thoughtful or introspective state.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, with strong contrasts between light and dark. The dark background serves to highlight the subject's face and clothing, adding to the overall effect of quiet contemplation.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held at the Statens Museum for Kunst, having been created nearly three centuries earlier.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Antoine Pesne

Artist

Antoine Pesne

Antoine Pesne (French pronunciation: ) (29 May 1683 – 5 August 1757) was a French-born court painter of Prussia.